The most surprising fact about the Royals signing Craig Kimbrel is that the team is betting on a pitcher whose numbers have been bad for two full years. This veteran closer just posted a 4.81 ERA across 33 games this season, yet Kansas City needs him now. According to New York Post reporter Jon Heyman, the deal is done. The Royals aren’t waiting for a younger arm to develop. They need a hand that can close games immediately, even if that hand belongs to a 38-year-old who’s been released by two other teams this year.
Kimbrel brings a resume that looks like a museum piece rather than a current roster spot. He’s got 440 career saves, which ranks fifth all-time in Major League history. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2011 and earned nine All-Star nods during his career. His fastball still sits at 93.6 mph, and he mixes in a sweeper, a curve, and a sinker to keep hitters off balance. But the stats from the last two years tell a different story. Since his last effective season in 2023, he’s posted a 4.78 ERA in 104 games. This year alone, he struck out 32 batters while walking 16 in just 33.2 innings of work.
Why would a squad with playoff hopes take this risk on a declining star? The answer lies in the injury report and the desperate need for innings. As pitchers keep filling the Injured List, the Royals desperately need enough arms to cover innings. For a squad meant to audition arms for next season, adding a 38-year-old appears curious. Since beggars can’t be choosers, many acquired options have failed to get the job done so far. Although Kimbrel’s numbers were insufficient for two other teams, a squad struggling to find anyone who can get hitters out might welcome them. (more on that in Royals Add Kimbrel, But Bullpen History Looks Bleak)
The Rays designated Kimbrel for assignment last week, while the Mets released him earlier this year. He has pitched in 17 seasons with a long list of teams including the Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers. His last true All-Star season came with the Phillies in 2023. Since then, he’s struggled to dominate. The Royals are gambling that his experience and high-velocity fastball can still work in short bursts. This isn’t a long-term plan for 2027. It’s a stopgap for right now.
The real test will be if Kimbrel can stop the bleeding in high-leverage spots. If he walks too many batters, the damage could be severe for a young rotation that needs support. But if he can settle down and use his mix of pitches, he might just be the bridge the team needs. The Royals have no time to waste on perfection. They need a result. The move shows a team willing to take a swing at a fading star just to get the job done today.
